City proposes removal of Memorial Avenue traffic lights

THUNDER BAY -- Traffic on Memorial Avenue should move more efficiently if the City of Thunder Bay goes ahead with a plan to remove one set of signal lights.

The Engineering Division proposes to convert the stop lights at the 13th Avenue intersection to pedestrian-controlled signals that would be activated for crossing Memorial Avenue only. Stop signs would be installed on 13th avenue.

Ryan Love, the city's traffic technologist, says traffic counts show that the existing signals are no longer warranted, partly as a result of signals being installed at Carrick Street and Central Avenue as well as Carrick Street and the Harbour Expressway. 

Those installations, he said, have given motorists other options for exiting that particular business area.

Love noted that the signals at 13th Avenue have caused "some congestion/progression concerns along Memorial Avenue."

A public consultation process is now underway.

Love said the city is sending letters to businesses in the area, and staff will weigh the feedback before making a final recommendation to council.